The first forum of the 2012 Portland mayor's race Tuesday night produced few moments for the three major candidates -- Eileen Brady, Charlie Hales and Jefferson Smith -- to differentiate themselves from each other.

Jobs? We need more of them, the candidates said. The economy? Let's get it on track, they added. Only on the question of the Columbia River Crossing was there much light between the candidates. (More on that in a bit.)

But don't underestimate the importance of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council's forum (you can't really call it a debate, because the candidates weren't able to respond to opponents' remarks).

Brady, Hales and Smith all want the coveted endorsements of labor groups with the money and foot soldiers to power campaigns -- and sway voters. The unions, in turn, want to influence the outcome of the election -- and the future decision-making of the successful candidate. The degree to which various labor groups in Portland coalesce around a single candidate will be a significant factor in how the race develops, labor representatives said.

On the Columbia River Crossing, both Brady and Hales called for immediate action, a popular stance among trade unions seeking construction jobs. "We need to build that bridge, you guys," Brady said to the crowd of 150. Hales went further, saying he would start construction in his first year in office.

Smith, who has called for a "smaller, quicker, cheaper" option in the past, took a different approach. "I know I'm supposed to just say build baby, build," he said. "We need a Plan B."

One of the more curious events of the evening took place off stage.

Portland Police Chief Mike Reese, who has avoided making an official announcement about his mayoral ambitions, did not attend the forum, though the labor council had agreed to let him participate. Instead, Reese sent a two-and-a-half-page letter, a portion of which was read aloud at the forum. "The past few days have been incredibly eventful for the city of Portland," it read. "The next few days pose additional public safety challenges as we strive to keep the peace in Portland. As chief of police, my energy and effort during this historic time must be focused on guiding the men and women of the Police Bureau."

After writing that he supported the Columbia River Crossing, the industrial development of West Hayden Island and the basic structure of Portland's disability and retirement system for police and firefighters, he added a line that strongly suggests he plans to run. "We need strong, experienced leadership to move us forward in a positive direction," he wrote. "I believe that I can offer that leadership for Portland, and especially for the working families of our community."

On Thursday, the Portland Firefighters Association will conduct personal interviews with mayoral candidates as part of its endorsement process. Jim Forquer, president of the union, said Reese has a meeting scheduled with the union, but that it could be postponed given Reese's role with Occupy Portland. Daryl Turner, president of the Portland Police Association, said his group had met with the declared candidates but that it was putting off making an endorsement until after meeting with Reese.